Canadian boomers are happier at work than millennials or Gen Z, new report finds
The older you are, the happier you are at work, it seems.
A new report suggests Canadian boomers are having a much better time at work than their younger colleagues, with older workers ranking as the happiest generation in the country.
According to ADP Canada’s latest Happiness@Work Index, boomers aged 62 and older scored 7.4 out of 10, making them the most satisfied demographic on the job.
The findings are based on an October survey of 1,926 employed Canadian adults conducted by Harris Poll Canada on behalf of ADP Canada.
Meanwhile, Gen Z workers aged 18 to 29 landed at the bottom of the list with a total score of 6.8 out of 10. Ouch. Perhaps the group that grew up with smartphones, TikTok and an endless stream of office memes isn’t finding the whole 9-to-5 life as fulfilling as expected.
Millennials and Gen X weren’t far behind, both scoring 6.9 out of 10, suggesting that no amount of trendy office decor, free coffee, or happy hours can boost one’s mood.
But while boomers saw their happiness score dip slightly by 0.1 points compared to September, Gen Z actually saw a small increase. Still, the youngest generation of workers has some catching up to do.
What’s there to be sad about, anyway?
The report found that salary and financial pressures are the biggest source of anxiety for nearly one-third (32 per cent) of Canadian workers surveyed. Another 24 per cent pointed to workplace-related stress, including unrealistic expectations.
And when it comes to what’s draining workers’ energy throughout the day, a heavy workload takes the top spot (29 per cent). Repetitive or unfulfilling tasks (20 per cent) and a lack of recognition (19 per cent) also made the list.
Overall, Canada’s national work happiness score remained unchanged at 6.9 out of 10 in October, matching both September’s score and the same month last year.
If you’re a 20-something worker wondering when the “Sunday scaries” will finally go away, you might have to wait a few decades.
You can read the full Happiness@Work Index online.